Method of building a three-dimensional network site, network site obtained by this method, and method of navigating within or from such a network site

ABSTRACT

A method for producing network sites, in particular websites, offers real immersion in the sites (in the manner of video games) with intuitive and fluid navigation that does not require a means for directing the avatar, allows selective referencing by a search engine of objects contained on the site, as well as providing improved access security. A simple mechanical control means (arrow keys on a keyboard, mouse without click buttons, joystick formed by a handle on a base with push buttons) or virtual control means (arrow-based computer representation, system for the detection of a movement of the hand, eye, etc., accelerometer remote control, etc.) can be used to direct the avatar. The method allows the movements of the avatar to be interpreted, such as a simple walk through the site or a command to navigate to another space on the site (same URL) or to another site (different URL).

The subject of the invention is a method of building a three-dimensionalnetwork site, as well as a network site obtained by this method, and amethod of navigating within or between two network sites according tothe invention.

A computerized network is a collection of equipment (computers, servers,etc.) linked together so as to exchange information. A computerizednetwork, such as the Internet, comprises a multitude of sites, termed“network sites”, comprising information. These sites can be hosted onone or more computers or servers of the network.

The very great majority of current network sites, Internet sites inparticular, take the form of a multitude of pages.

These pages consist of a two-dimensional background on which are posted:

-   -   text;    -   images;    -   hypertext links (in the form of text or icons) leading, when the        user clicks on these links, to new pages of the same site, to        other sites, to documents (graphical or text);    -   windows capable of displaying videos and/or of streaming music;    -   advertisements;    -   etc.

Access to these sites and to the pages that they contain is achievedthrough a software package called a “network browser” into which oneinputs the unique network address of the site that one wishes to visit.This address is also called the “URL”, for Uniform Resource Locator, ormore generally the “Internet address”. Going from one URL address toanother URL, or from one page to another page is called “navigation”.

This entails a character string making it possible to indicate to anetwork browser how to access a resource (an Internet site, for example)through a computerized network.

Each site has a unique URL, called the “root URL”. The pages of eachsite can have their own URL, or benefit from the same root URL.

An exemplary site whose pages have their own network address is the siteof the company New3S®: the root URL of the site is http://www.new3s.com.The “contact us” page has its own URL: http://www.new3s.com/contact.asp.

An exemplary site whose pages benefit from the root address of the siteis Google Maps®. The root address of the site ishttps://maps.google.com. The map of Paris and the map of New York bothbenefit from the same root address.

Example: load Google Maps®:

-   -   https://maps.google.com/    -   with by default view on the USA if Windows® in English and then        enter “Place de la Bastille, Paris, France”    -   Change view, but identical address: https://maps.google.com/    -   Click on Route: identical address: https://maps.google.com/    -   Departure point: 75011 Place de la Bastille, Paris, France    -   Destination point: Place de la République, Paris, France    -   The map is modified: identical address: https://maps.google.com/    -   Double click on the departure point, and then activate Street        view® mode.

The map is modified: that is to say immersive view, still interactivebut 3D panoramic. Identical address: https://maps.google.com/

Arrive at Place de la République by Street view® mode: Identicaladdress: https://maps.google.com/

In this type of site, the entire content of the URL address is notdownloaded in a single step, but in tandem with the user's navigation.Only the content sought is downloaded.

In sites wherein each page comprises its own URL, the content of eachURL is downloaded in full in a single step.

The creators and the owners of network sites have numerous concerns, inparticular to offer a site which is distinguished from that ofcompetitors and to ensure security of access to certain contents of thesite.

Moreover, changes in customs and the evolution of technology are tendingto offer Internet access in places and with hardware whose prime usagewas not intended for Internet access. Thus, numerous televisionmanufacturers offer devices capable of being linked to the Internet. Theservices offered are much like Internet sites and, in order to navigatearound these sites, manufacturers modify the remote controls to make itpossible to click on the icons.

The graphical representation of the computer mouse is replaced with ahighlighting of user-selectable links (or icons).

The most rudimentary remote controls comprise navigation buttons in theform of arrows for passing from link to link (that is to say forhighlighting the links one after another), and a validation button forclicking on the chosen link.

More enhanced remote controls comprise a touch-sensitive surface and/oraccelerometers so that the user makes navigation gestures (for example aright/left or up/down movement) to move the highlighting, and avalidation gesture to click on the chosen link.

In all cases, the user can only pass from link to link, in atwo-dimensional graphical environment, not allowing a global overview ofthe whole site.

It is therefore desirable to propose a solution making it possible tooffer sites that can be easily apprehended by the user, are secure, andcan be conveniently navigated, and allowing greater graphical freedom inorder to be distinguished from competitors' sites.

The present invention makes it possible to address several of theseconcerns.

Internet sites are distinguished from one another only by their graphiccharter, their message, their size, etc., but not by their structurewhich is always a two-dimensional page tree layout.

Furthermore, it is always necessary to use the computer's mouse to clickon hypertext links, in order to start up videos or music.

Certain sites offer “3D lounges” or “3D showrooms”.

In the present description, the expression “3D” or “three-dimensional”is understood in the sense of the design of the space, and not of itsdisplay technique which, for its part, is two-dimensional since it isimplemented on a screen of an interface. Stated otherwise, a space istermed three-dimensional when it comprises a perspective and when anobject which is mobile in this three-dimensional space can move forwardand back, right and left and up and down with respect to the user'sposition.

Thus, the expression “three-dimensional” actually relates to thecharacteristics of the space and not the characteristics of the screen,which can, for its part, allow 3D display with active glasses (righteye/left eye selective display) or passive glasses (polarizing filters).Thus, it is not because a space is displayed on a 3D screen that it isthree-dimensional within the meaning of the invention: for example, aphoto (two-dimensional space within the meaning of the invention) is notthree-dimensional because it is displayed on a 3D screen.

“3D lounges” or “3D showrooms” are three-dimensional spaces in whichlikewise three-dimensional objects, such as desks, stands, etc. aresituated. However, though these sites offer a graphical alternative totwo-dimensional sites, that is to say to sites consisting of pages, theynevertheless require the use of the mouse to click on the selectableelements (for example to play a video or go to another site).Furthermore, they require the use of the mouse to click in thethree-dimensional space and to enable the user or, more precisely, theiravatar (computerized representation, in 3D or not, of a user, forexample in the form of a stylized figure) to wander around. Statedotherwise, the user needs the mouse as a means of steering and as ameans of selection. The avatar has no technical function and serves onlyto afford the user a sensation of immersion in the 3D space.

Therefore, these sites do not make it possible to dispense with mouseclicks (or manual clicking for touch-sensitive interfaces) fornavigation and activation of selectable elements. They therefore cannotconstitute a solution suitable for the new media, namely connectedtelevisions and games consoles. Furthermore, their design does not makeit possible to depict in the results of the search engines the objectsthat they contain. Finally, they do not offer any particular solution inregard to security of access.

The object of the invention is therefore to propose a method of buildingnetwork sites, Internet sites in particular, allowing genuine immersionin the sites (in the manner of video games) through intuitive and fluidnavigation requiring only a means of steering of the avatar, whileallowing selective referencing by a search engine of the objectscontained in the site, as well as enhanced security of access. Thus, asimple mechanical handle (arrow keys on a keyboard, mouse without theclick touches, joystick consisting of a stick placed on a mount withpush-buttons) or virtual handle (computerized representation of arrows,system for detecting movement of a hand, of an eye, etc., remote controlwith accelerometer, etc.) makes it possible to steer the avatar and themethod according to the invention makes it possible to interpret theavatar's movements as a simple wandering around in the site or as acommand controlling navigation towards another space of the site (sameURL) or towards another site (different URL).

To this end, the subject of the invention is a method of building aso-called “three-dimensional” network site, such as an Internet site,consultable via an interface linked to the network, characterized inthat it comprises the following steps:

-   -   A) with a 3D modeling software package:        -   a1) Generating a three-dimensional project comprising at            least one three-dimensional space;        -   a2) creating at least one two- or three-dimensional            so-called “navigation” object in the said project and            placing it in the or one of the spaces in a defined spatial            position, called the “position of the navigation object”;        -   a3) creating a two- or three-dimensional object which is            mobile in the said space and controllable by a user by            virtue of a control interface or a peripheral, such as a            mouse, keyboard keys, a joystick or a motion sensor, linked            to the interface;    -   B) with a real-time 3D software package:        -   b1) assigning to the or to each three-dimensional space:

-   a benchmark system of three-dimensional coordinates;

-   aesthetic properties, such as textures or images;

-   functional properties, such as a light source; and

-   simulated physical properties, such as a gravity force, a magnetic    field or an electro-magnetic field;    -   b2) assigning to the said navigation object:

-   aesthetic properties, such as textures;

-   navigation properties, such as a link to a so-called “arrival”    position in the said at least one three-dimensional space or a link    to a so-called “destination” network address; and

-   simulated physical properties, such as deformation laws;    -   b3) assigning to the said mobile and controllable object:

-   an initial position in the space or one of the spaces of the    project, and

-   aesthetic properties, such as textures;

-   functional properties, such as mobility in the three-dimensional    space; and

-   simulated physical properties, such as deformation laws;    -   b5) recording the three-dimensional project as a digital file        having a format interpretable by at least one navigation        software package;    -   D) storing the file obtained in step b5) on an on-line network        server;    -   E) assigning a network address to the file so as to render it        accessible by the network in the form of a network site.

According to other embodiments:

-   the navigation object can consist of a two- or three-dimensional    information display and of a two- or three-dimensional so-called    “detection” zone, preferably arranged in proximity to the    information display;-   the information display is a means for displaying information which    may have an aspect and/or a shape which give information to the user    that the object is a navigation object. The information display may    be, for example, of the shape of a display rack, of a door, of a    window, of a screen displaying an image or a video, etc.-   each three-dimensional space of the site can be associated with its    own network address;-   the or each three-dimensional space of the site can be associated    with a common network address;-   the method can comprise, before step D), a step C1) of creating and    networking an access table for the site comprising at least the    following items of information:    -   a descriptor of the access table comprising a number of rows, a        number of columns and one or more field separator(s) used;    -   an identifier of the or of each three-dimensional space in the        site;    -   an identifier of the or of each navigation object;    -   the position of each navigation object;    -   the navigation properties of each navigation object; and    -   an initial position of a user when the latter accesses the site;-   the access table can comprise, furthermore, rights-of-access data;-   the rights-of-access data can be data managing the    possibility/impossibility of accessing the site, or managing the    display/the concealment of one or more navigation objects, or    managing the activation/the inactivation of one or more navigation    objects;-   the method can comprise, after step C1), a step C2) of encrypting    the access table;-   the method can comprise, after step C1), a step C3) of dividing the    access table into several files, and of peer-to-peer sharing of the    said files between several computer servers;-   the method can comprise, after step C2), a step C3) of dividing the    encrypted access table into several files, and of peer-to-peer    sharing of the said files between several computer servers; and/or-   the method can comprise, after step a3), a step a4) of creating a    “previous position” selectable button and a “next position”    selectable button, and after step b3), a step b4) of assigning to    each of these buttons the following properties:    -   associated with a history table;    -   selectable with a mouse click or a manual click; and    -   displayed constantly on the site.

The subject of the invention is also a three-dimensional network siteobtained by the method according to the invention, characterized in thatit comprises:

-   -   A network address;    -   at least one three-dimensional space;    -   at least one navigation object placed at a position of the        navigation object;    -   at least one object that is mobile and controllable in the said        space.

According to other embodiments:

-   at least one navigation object can consist of a two- or    three-dimensional information display and of a two- or    three-dimensional so-called “detection” zone preferably arranged in    proximity to the information display;-   the navigation property assigned to the or to each navigation object    can be the ability to control the opening, in the navigation    software package, of a destination network address which is    different from the network address of the three-dimensional space in    which the navigation object is situated;-   the navigation property assigned to the or to each navigation object    can comprise, furthermore, the ability to position the mobile and    controllable object at a so-called “arrival” position in a    three-dimensional space of a three-dimensional site having the    destination network address;-   the or each navigation object can have as functional property the    ability to position the mobile and controllable object at an arrival    position in a three-dimensional space of the network site in which    the navigation object is situated; and/or-   the network site can comprise:    -   a network address;    -   at least one three-dimensional space;    -   at least one navigation object placed at the position of the        navigation object;    -   at least one object that is mobile and controllable in the said        space.        and in that it is associated with an access table comprising at        least the following items of information    -   a descriptor of the access table so as to be able to be        interpreted by the navigation software package, comprising the        number of rows, the number of columns and the field separator(s)        used;    -   an identifier of the or of each three-dimensional space in the        site;    -   an identifier of the or of each navigation object;    -   the position of each navigation object;    -   the navigation properties of each navigation object; and    -   an initial position of a user when the latter accesses the site.

The subject of the invention is also a method of navigation from orwithin the network address of a three-dimensional space of athree-dimensional site according to the invention, with the aid of ahardware interface, such as a computer, a tablet or a Smartphone,characterized in that it comprises the following steps:

-   α) In a navigation software package suitable for the hardware    interface:    -   α.1) opening the network address;    -   α.2) controlling the movement of the mobile and controllable        object in the or one of the three-dimensional spaces from a        so-called “initial” position;    -   α.3) selecting a navigation object by positioning the mobile and        controllable object in a secant manner with respect to the        navigation object, which means in a manner where the mobile and        controllable object overlaps the navigation object, especially        the detection zone of the navigation object;    -   α.6) generating a navigation action as a function of the        navigation properties assigned to the navigation object.

According to other embodiments:

-   step α3) can consist in selecting a navigation object by positioning    the mobile and controllable object in a secant manner with respect    to the zone of detection of the navigation object, which means in a    manner where the mobile and controllable object overlaps the    navigation object, especially the detection zone of the navigation    object;-   step α) can comprise furthermore, after step α.3), a step α.4) of    timeout of predefined duration, starting as soon as the mobile    object and the navigation object or the detection zone are    overlapping, step α.6) being triggered only if the mobile object    remain overlapping the navigation object or the detection zone    throughout the duration of the timeout; and/or-   step α) can comprise furthermore, before step α.6), a step α.5) of    predefined repositioning of the mobile object with respect to the    navigation object, as soon as the mobile object overlaps the    navigation object or the detection zone of said navigation object,    the repositioning keeping the mobile object overlapping the    navigation object or the detection zone.

When the navigation is performed within the same network address:

-   the navigation action, generated during step α.6), can comprise the    positioning of the mobile and controllable object at a so-called    “arrival” position in a three-dimensional space having the same    network address as the network site in which the navigation object    is situated;-   step α.4) can comprise, furthermore, during the timeout, the    consultation by the navigation software package of the access table    of the network site;-   step α.1) can comprise, furthermore, the creation and the storage in    memory of a first history table of “last in-first out” type, as well    as the association of the first history table with the “previous    position” and “next position” selectable buttons of the network    site; and step α.6) can comprise the insertion, as first entry in    the first history table, of the identifier of the three-dimensional    space in which the mobile object is situated, and of the position of    the navigation object selected in the three-dimensional space;-   step α) can be repeated n−2 times, n being an integer greater than    or equal to 3, so as to end up at an arrival position of rank n, the    first history table being created only at the first iteration and    supplemented during the other iterations, each iteration of step α)    corresponding to the positioning of the mobile and controllable    object at a new arrival position in a three-dimensional space having    the same network address as the network site in which the navigation    object is situated, the identifier of the three-dimensional space    and the position of the selected navigation object being stored    chronologically at each iteration in the first history table during    navigation;-   the method of navigation can comprise, furthermore, a step β) of    backtracking consisting in reading the identifier of the    three-dimensional space and the position of the navigation object of    rank n−1 in the first history table, and in positioning the mobile    object in proximity to the position of the selected navigation    object of rank n−1;-   step β) can be repeated k times, k being an integer lying between 1    and n−2; and/or-   k can lie between 1 and n−3, the position of the selected navigation    object of rank k corresponding to a network site according to the    invention, the method comprising, furthermore, after the iteration    of rank k of step β), at least one step γ) of navigating towards a    navigation object having a position not stored in the first history    table, step γ) comprising the following sub-steps:    -   γ.1) creation and storage in memory of a second history table of        “last in-first out” type, as well as the association of the        second history table with “Page forward” and “page back”        selectable buttons of the network site;    -   γ.2) controlling the movement of the mobile and controllable        object in one of the three-dimensional spaces of the network        site;    -   γ.3) selecting a navigation object by positioning the mobile and        controllable object overlapping the navigation object,        especially the detection zone of the navigation object;    -   γ.6) generating a navigation action as a function of the        navigation properties assigned to the navigation object, and        inserting:        -   as first entry in the second history table, a reference to            the first history table;        -   as second entry in the second history table, the identifier            of the departure three-dimensional space and the position of            the navigation object selected in the departure            three-dimensional space;        -   as last entry in the first history table, a reference to the            second history table.

When the navigation is performed from network address to networkaddress:

-   the navigation action, generated during step α.6), can comprise the    opening, in the navigation software package, of a destination    network address which is different from the network address of the    three-dimensional space in which the navigation object is situated;-   the navigation action can comprise, furthermore, the positioning of    the mobile and controllable object at a so-called “arrival” position    in a three-dimensional space of a three-dimensional site having the    destination network address;-   step α.4) can comprise, furthermore, during the timeout, the    transmission to the navigation software package of the access table    of the second network site;-   step α.4) can comprise, furthermore, during the timeout, and after    the reception of the access table of the second network site, the    displaying of a so-called “arrival” position by default and of the    position of the object or of each of the navigation objects of the    second network site, so that the user can choose the position at    which he wishes to arrive in the second network site;-   step α.1) can comprise, furthermore, the creation and the storage in    memory of a first history table of “last in-first out” type, as well    as the association of the first history table with “Page forward”    and “page back” selectable buttons of the navigation software    package; and step α.6) can comprise the insertion, as first entry in    the first history table, of the network address of the departure    three-dimensional space and the position of the navigation object    selected in the departure three-dimensional space;-   step α) can be repeated n−2 times, n being an integer greater than    or equal to 3, so as to end up at a network address of rank n, the    first history table being created only at the first iteration and    supplemented during the other iterations, each iteration of step α)    corresponding to an opening of a new network address, each network    address and, if appropriate, a position of each navigation object    being stored chronologically in the first history table during    navigation;-   the method of navigation can comprise, furthermore, a step β) of    backtracking consisting in reading the network address of rank n−1    in the first history table, and in opening this network address of    rank n−1 in the navigation software package;-   step β) can also comprise the positioning of the mobile object in    proximity to the position of the navigation object selected in the    three-dimensional space having the network address of rank n−1;-   step β) can be repeated k times, k being an integer lying between 1    and n−2; and/or-   k can lie between 1 and n−3, the network address of rank k    corresponding to a network site according to the invention, the    method comprising, furthermore, after the iteration of rank k of    step β), at least one step γ) of navigating towards a network site    having a network address not stored in the first history table, step    γ) comprising the following sub-steps:    -   γ.1) creation and storage in memory of a second history table of        “last in-first out” type, as well as the association of the        second history table with “Page forward” and “page back”        selectable buttons of the navigation software package;    -   γ.2) controlling the movement of the mobile and controllable        object in the or one of the three-dimensional spaces of the        network site having the network address not stored in the first        history table;    -   γ.3) selecting a navigation object by positioning the mobile and        controllable object overlapping the navigation object,        especially the detection zone of the navigation object;    -   γ.6) generating a navigation action as a function of the        navigation properties assigned to the navigation object, and        inserting:        -   as first entry in the second history table, a reference to            the first history table;        -   as second entry in the second history table, the network            address of the departure three-dimensional space and the            position of the navigation object selected in the departure            three-dimensional space;        -   as last entry in the first history table, a reference to the            second history table.

Other characteristics of the invention will emerge from the descriptiondetailed hereinafter given with reference to the appended drawings whichrepresent, respectively:

in FIG. 1, a schematic plan view of an exemplary architecture of anetwork site according to the invention;

in FIG. 2, a schematic perspective view of an example of athree-dimensional space of a network site according to the invention;

in FIGS. 3 and 4, schematic perspective views of the implementation ofthe method of navigation according to the invention;

in FIG. 5, a flowchart of the method of navigation according to theinvention;

in FIG. 6, a flowchart of the method of navigation according to theinvention with a timeout step;

in FIG. 7, a flowchart of the method of navigation according to theinvention with a timeout and repositioning step;

in FIG. 8, a schematic plan view of an example of navigation route of anavatar within a site A according to the invention, from the site A to asite B according to the invention, within the site B, and return to thesite A;

in FIGS. 8A to 8P, the navigation route of FIG. 8, step by step;

in FIG. 9, a schematic plan view of an example of navigation route of anavatar within four three-dimensional spaces of a site according to theinvention comprising the same network address, and of an example of ahistory table generated according to the method according to theinvention;

in FIGS. 9A to 9F, the navigation route of FIG. 9, step by step;

in FIG. 10, a schematic plan view of an exemplary return navigationroute within the site of FIG. 6 and comprising a bifurcation to two newthree-dimensional spaces of the site, and of an example of historytables generated according to the method according to the invention;

in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the navigation route of FIG. 10, step by step;

in FIG. 11, a schematic plan view of an example of navigation route ofan avatar between four sites according to the invention having differentnetwork addresses, and of an example of a history table generatedaccording to the method according to the invention;

in FIG. 12, a schematic plan view of an exemplary return navigationroute between two sites of FIG. 6 and comprising a bifurcation to twonew sites having different network addresses, and of an example ofhistory tables generated according to the method according to theinvention;

in FIGS. 13A to 13J, schematic charts of an exemplary embodiment of theoutward-and-return method of navigation according to the invention, stepby step;

in FIG. 13K, a schematic chart of an exemplary embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention of return navigation with direct return toURL1 from step URL2 of FIG. 13J;

in FIG. 14, a schematic chart of an exemplary embodiment of the methodaccording to the invention of return navigation with a bifurcation toanother website A from step URL2 of FIG. 13J;

in FIG. 15, a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method ofbuilding a site according to the invention; and

in FIGS. 16 to 18, three flowcharts illustrating three embodiments ofthe method of building a site made secure according to the invention.

BUILDING THE SITE

The invention proposes a method of building a three-dimensional networksite, such as an Internet site, consultable via an interface linked tothe network.

In the description which follows, the exemplary embodiments will begiven for an Internet site, but other types of network sites can beused.

In a first step A), a 3D modeling software package is used to define thestructure of the 3D space or spaces and of the objects which will occupyit.

In the present description, a 3D modeling software package is a softwarepackage comprising at least the following functionalities:

-   -   design in simultaneous views (ISO, XY plan, YZ plan, XZ plan);    -   Point, curve, circles, intersection, projections, straight        segment, line, spline, plane    -   Surfaces, faces, volumes    -   Volumetric extrusion    -   Boolean operations,

By way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, the following softwarepackages may be cited:

-   -   3DS Max® published by the company Autodesk®    -   Maya® published by the company Autodesk®    -   RealNAT® published by the company Bionatics®        Solidworks® published by the company Dassault Systemes®. Certain        architecture software packages can also fulfill these functions,        such as:    -   Sketchup® published by the company Google®    -   Allplan® published by the company Nemetschek®

More precisely, during step A), a 3D modeling software package is usedto:

-   a1) generate a three-dimensional site project comprising at least    one three-dimensional space (hereinafter 3D space); in FIG. 1, the    site obtained in accordance with the method according to the    invention comprises six 3D spaces, numbered from A1 to A6;-   a2) create at least one two- or three-dimensional so-called    “navigation” object in the said project and place it in the or one    of the spaces in a defined spatial position, called the “position of    the navigation object”; the site illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises ten    navigation objects, numbered from N1 to N10;-   a3) create a two- or three-dimensional object 1, which is mobile in    the said space and controllable by a user by virtue of a control    interface or a peripheral, such as a mouse, keyboard keys, a    joystick or a motion sensor, linked to the interface.

The navigation object is the equivalent of a door leading to anotherposition: another 3D space of the same site, or another site, 3D or not.Any graphical object can be intended to be a navigation object. Forexample, simply, the representation of a door or a poster referring toanother site.

Likewise, the mobile object 1 is advantageously 3D and constitutes anavatar of the user in the site. It can, in this respect, take the formof a human being, of a fictional stylized figure, of an animal or of anobject.

Of course, during step A, other objects 2 can be created, such asdecorative objects 2 a, mobile or static non-functional stylizedfigures, video viewing or music streaming windows 2 b, etc.

During step A, only the shapes of the 3D spaces and objects are defined.Acquisition of their function(s) (navigation, mobility, behaviour, etc.)is done only in step B subsequently, by virtue of a real-time 3Dsoftware package.

In the present description, a real-time 3D software package is asoftware package comprising at least the following functionalities:

-   -   Importing of data with application of a compression without        degradation of shapes and volumes;    -   Application of at least one camera (XYZ point, focal length);    -   Assigning of a contemplative or onboard mode    -   In onboard mode, be capable of linking the movements to the        functions of the navigation peripherals (advance, retreat,        rotate, . . . )    -   Export according to a format interpretable by the main WEB        browsers and allowing real-time interactive 3-dimensional        navigation.

By way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, the following softwarepackages may be cited:

-   -   UNITY3D® published by the company Unity Technologies    -   3DVIA® published by the company DASSAULT SYSTEMES®    -   Quest3D® published by the company Act-3D B.V.®

During this step B, a real-time 3D software package is used to:

-   -   b1) assign to the or to each three-dimensional space:

-   a benchmark system of three-dimensional coordinates. This benchmark    makes it possible to define and to ascertain the position (x, y, z)    of each object with respect to an origin position x=0, y=0 and z=0;

-   aesthetic properties, such as textures, images, photos, or graphical    animations (body of water or waterfall, movement of clouds on a    surface representing a ceiling or a window), it being understood    that the structure of the 3D space is created in step A;

-   functional properties, such as one or more light sources, a function    of ascent and descent at regular intervals of an elevator (whose    structure was created in step A), etc.; and

-   simulated physical properties, such as a magnetic field, an    electro-magnetic field, or a gravity force which makes it possible,    for example, to drop water or an object in the 3D space with a    trajectory in accordance with the simulated physical properties.

In the same mariner, during a step b2), the said navigation object isassigned:

-   aesthetic properties, such as textures, images, photos;-   navigation properties, such as a link to a so-called “arrival”    position in the three-dimensional space or a link to a so-called    “destination” network address. Thus, when the navigation object is    selected in accordance with the subsequently described method    according to the invention, the mobile object is moved to the    arrival position or a destination network address is opened in the    navigation software package; and-   simulated physical properties, such as deformation laws, or a mass    (whose weight will be defined as a function of the gravity force    assigned to the 3D space, for example).

Also, during a step b3), the mobile and controllable object is assigned:

-   an initial position 4 in the space or one of the spaces of the    project. In the example of FIG. 1, the 3D space A1 comprises an    initial position 4 at which the mobile object 1 is situated when the    site is opened for the first time in the navigation software    package. This entails the entrance door of the site according to the    invention which is, by analogy with current 2D sites, the equivalent    of the “home page”;-   aesthetic properties, such as textures; and-   functional properties, such as mobility in the three-dimensional    space, the mobility possibly being only continuous, or comprising    the ability to jump, to fall, to latch on to objects (which will    have been given the property of being able to be caught by the    mobile object, of course); and-   simulated physical properties, such as deformation laws, a mass.

Thereafter, in a step b5), the three-dimensional project is recorded asa digital file having a format interpretable by at least one navigationsoftware package.

By way of illustrative and nonlimiting example, the Unity3D softwarepackage makes it possible to record the project in the “.EXE” (forauto-executable) format;

The file obtained in step b5) is thereafter stored on an on-line networkserver during a step D, and then a network address is assigned to thefile during a step E so as to render it accessible by the network in theform of a network site.

The site obtained by the method according to the invention thereforecomprises:

-   a network address;-   at least one three-dimensional space;-   at least one navigation object N placed in the space at a position    (x,y,z) of the navigation object;-   at least one object that is mobile and controllable in the said    space.

Preferably, the navigation object N consists of a two- orthree-dimensional information display, such as a display rack, a door, ascreen or other object that displays information to the user, and of atwo- or three-dimensional so-called “detection” zone preferably arrangedin proximity to the information display.

“In proximity” signifies that the detection zone is preferably placed ina partial or total peripheral zone around the first object.

The navigation object therefore fulfills three functions:

-   -   through the information display, an information function for the        user to indicate to the latter its capacity as navigation object        and/or optionally the position or the network site to which it        makes it possible to navigate;    -   through the detection zone, a function of detection of the        mobile object in proximity to the navigation object; and    -   through the information display and/or the detection zone (this        depends on the choice made by the person who created the site),        a navigation function, that is to say a function of opening a        new network address or of positioning the mobile object at a        destination position in a 3D space having the same network        address as that of the space in which the navigation object is        situated.

In FIG. 2, the 3D space comprises two navigation objects N11 and N12(generally designated by an arrow).

The object N11 comprises a three-dimensional information display N111(designated by a simple line on the figures) in proximity to which issituated a, likewise three-dimensional, detection zone N112 (designatedby a simple line on the figures). Alternatively, the detection zone N112could be two-dimensional.

The object N12 comprises a two-dimensional information display N121(designated by a simple line on the figures) in the form of a door inproximity to which is situated a, likewise two-dimensional, detectionzone N122 (designated by a simple line on the figures). Alternatively,the detection zone N122 could be two-dimensional.

As will be explained in greater detail subsequently, the navigationproperty associated with each navigation object is activated by thesimple encountering of the navigation object N by the mobile object 1,without it being necessary to click on the navigation object with one ofthe buttons of a mouse.

Architecture of the Site

According to a first embodiment of the invention, each three-dimensionalspace of the site is associated with its own network address.

Thus, according to the invention, it is possible to create a site havingseveral 3D spaces, each 3D space having its own network address. Thisamounts to considering each 3D space to be an independent network site.The only links which exist between the 3D spaces are the navigationproperties of the navigation objects which allow the mobile object tonavigate from 3D space to 3D space, that is to say from network addressto network address.

In this first embodiment, at least one navigation object of each 3Dspace possesses as navigation property the ability to control theopening, in the navigation software package, of a destination networkaddress which is different from the network address of the 3D space inwhich the navigation object is situated, and to position the mobile andcontrollable object at a so-called “arrival” position in athree-dimensional space of a three-dimensional site having thedestination network address.

For example, if the site of FIG. 1 is embodied in accordance with thisfirst embodiment, each 3D space A1 to A6 possesses its own networkaddress.

Each space A2 to A5 comprises, in this simplified example, a navigationobject making it possible to navigate to the next space and a navigationobject making it possible to navigate to the previous space.

The space A1 comprises only a navigation object making it possible tonavigate to the space A2, and the next space A6 comprises only anavigation object making it possible to navigate to the previous spaceA5.

When the mobile object 1 wanders around in the space A1 along the pathF1, it may encounter the navigation object N1. This encounter triggersthe opening of the network address of the 3D space A2 by the navigationsoftware package, in the same tab, in the same window, in a new tab orin a new window.

The navigation software package then displays the 3D destination space(here the space A2) and positions the mobile object 1 therein.

Advantageously, the navigation property assigned to the navigationobject comprises, furthermore, the ability to navigate the mobile object1 to a specific arrival position.

Advantageously, this arrival position is situated in proximity to theposition of a navigation object N2 situated in the destination space A2,this object N2 allowing a return to the departure space A1. Thus, in thecase where the user has made a poor manipulation by triggering theopening of the address of the space A2, he can easily return to theprevious space by virtue of the object N2.

In a second embodiment of the invention, each 3D space of the site isassociated with a common network address. In this case, the navigationis performed not by loading a new network address, but by “teleporting”the mobile object in the 3D space to the arrival position, that is tosay by positioning the mobile object directly at the arrival position,without the user needing to control the movement of the mobile objectalong the entire journey from the navigation object to the arrivalposition.

In this second embodiment, the or each navigation object has asnavigation property the ability the ability to position the mobile andcontrollable object at an arrival position in a three-dimensional spaceof the network site in which the navigation object is situated.

For example, if the site of FIG. 1 is embodied in accordance with thissecond embodiment, each 3D space A1 to A6 possesses the same networkaddress.

When the mobile object 1 wanders around in the space A1 along the pathF1, it may encounter the navigation object N1. This encounter triggersthe sending of the mobile and controllable object 1 to an arrivalposition in the 3D space A2 of the network site. It is of courseconceivable to provide several navigation objects inside one and thesame space, so that the object is sent from object to object in the samespace.

Navigation

As explained hereinabove, the navigation property associated with eachnavigation object is activated by the simple encountering of thenavigation object N by the mobile object 1.

More precisely, the invention proposes a method of navigation from orwithin the network address of a three-dimensional space of a networksite according to the invention, comprising the following steps.

With the aid of a hardware interface,

-   α) In a navigation software package suitable for the hardware    interface used (a computer, a tablet or a Smartphone, for example):    -   α.1) the user opens the network address of the site according to        the invention;    -   α.2) and then he commands the movement of the mobile and        controllable object 1 in the or one of the three-dimensional        spaces from an initial position 4 (FIG. 1);    -   α.3) as a function of the information present on the navigation        objects N or of their shape or of any other visual or auditory        stimulus, the user may be interested in a navigation object and        decide to implement the navigation action associated with the        object which interests him Accordingly, without it being        necessary for the user to click on the object, he selects a        navigation object by positioning the mobile and controllable        object 1 in a secant manner with respect to the navigation        object, which means in a manner where the mobile and        controllable object overlaps the navigation object, especially        the detection zone of the navigation object, i.e., in a manner        where the mobile and controllable object intersects the        navigation object, especially the detection zone of the        navigation object;    -   α.6) the navigation software package then generates a navigation        action as a function of the navigation properties assigned to        the navigation object.

By secant, it is understood that the volume of the mobile andcontrollable object at least partially intersects with the volume of thedetection zone of the navigation object. in other words, thegeographical coordinates of at least a part of the mobile andcontrollable object are located within the geographical coordinates ofthe detection zone of the navigation object.

The mobile and controllable object can be displayed on the interface, asif the user were “outside” the mobile object. This representation allowsconvenient manipulation of the mobile object by the user.

Alternatively, the representation can be more immersive in the site byremoving the display of the mobile object, so that the user has theimpression of being the mobile object himself.

These two types of representations are known in video games,respectively under the labels “third-person view” (the avatar isdisplayed), and “first-person view” (the mobile object is notdisplayed).

Even if the mobile object is not displayed, it is nevertheless includedin the network site according to the invention, and it is functional,that is to say it can be positioned overlapping a navigation object.

Control of the movement of the mobile object can be performed with keysof a keyboard (preferably the arrows), with a joystick, with one or moremovement detectors (accelerometer, radar, camera, etc.), capable ofdetecting the movement of the interface itself, of at least one finger,of at least one hand, of at least one eye, of the head, or of the body.

The mobile object can also be moved by virtue of the movement of themouse (or of the finger for touch-sensitive interfaces) but not by thebuttons of the mouse (mouse “clicks”) or manual clicks fortouch-sensitive interfaces. According to the invention, selection of thenavigation object, and therefore navigation, is done solely by a meansfor moving the mobile object, without a selection means (click buttonsof a mouse) being necessary.

Advantageously, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4, if the navigationobject comprises an information display and a detection zone, step α3)consists in selecting the navigation object N by positioning the mobileobject 1 in a secant manner with respect to the zone of detection of thenavigation object, which means in a manner where the mobile andcontrollable object overlaps the navigation object, especially thedetection zone of the navigation object (see zone 5 in FIG. 4).

As long as the mobile object does not overlap the detection zone (FIG.3), no navigation action is generated. The user can however read on thescreen what is inscribed on the navigation object. If he wishes totrigger navigation, for example because he is interested in visiting thesite which is represented on the object, the user commands with hisjoystick, his arrow keys, or any other movement detection interface, themovement of the mobile object towards the navigation object (directionof the arrow F2 in FIG. 3).

Alternatively, the detection zone N122 can be plane, that is to saytwo-dimensional. In this case, selection of the navigation object isdone when the mobile object encounters the plane, passes above the planeor passes below the plane of the detection zone.

When the mobile object 1 is secant to the detection zone, i.e., overlapsthe detection zone, the navigation action is triggered.

Alternatively, the zone of detection of the navigation object can beincluded in the information display, if the information display isprovided with a physical property making it possible to detect that themobile object hits it rigidly or elastically (with or withoutdeformation). The detection zone included in the information display canthen command the navigation software package to generate the navigationaction.

Preferably, step α) of the method according to the invention furthermorecomprises, after step α.3), a step α.4) of timeout of predefinedduration, starting as soon as the mobile object overlaps the navigationobject or the detection zone, step α.6) being triggered only if themobile object and the navigation object or the detection zone remainsecant, i.e., overlapped, throughout the duration of the timeout.

Stated otherwise, if the mobile object 1 and the detection zone are nolonger overlapped before the end of the predefined duration of timeout(for example 3 seconds), the navigation action is not triggered. Thisallows the user to separate the mobile object 1 from the navigationobject if he does not ultimately wish to navigate, or if he has made amistake. This timeout allows very fluid navigation, having the mobileobject wander around without any risk of navigating unintentionallyoutside of the 3D space in which the user is situated, just byunintentionally overlapping a navigation object, especially thedetection zone of said navigation object. In other words, the time outavoid travel if detection zone overlap was inadvertent. On the contrary,with a mouse click or finger click for touch-sensitive interfaces, it isnecessary either to interrupt the loading of the new address, or to goback via the “page back” button of the navigation software package. Inthe present method, the user is informed that he has triggered acountdown to navigate outside of the 3D space in which he is situated,and he can choose to retract before triggering the navigation action.

In an optional manner, the method according to the invention cancomprise, when the timeout is started (therefore after step α.4)), andbefore the navigation action is triggered (therefore before step α.6)),a step α.5) of predefined repositioning of the mobile object withrespect to the navigation object, as soon as the mobile object overlapsthe navigation object or the detection zone, the repositioning keepingthe mobile object overlapping the navigation object or the detectionzone so as to prevent the timeout from being canceled.

This repositioning can be the information given to the user that he ison the point of triggering a navigation action.

FIGS. 5 to 7 summarize the method of navigation according to theinvention, depending on whether it comprises a timeout step (FIG. 6),repositioning step (FIG. 7), or neither of these steps (FIG. 5).

The flowchart of FIG. 5 is interpreted in the following manner:

After having implemented step α.1), the user makes the mobile object 1wander around in the 3D space of the site according to the invention, ina step α.2).

As long as no navigation object N is selected in accordance with stepα.3) (“no” arrow of step α.3) of FIG. 5), the movement of the mobileobject 1 can continue in accordance with step α.2).

When a navigation object N is selected in accordance with step α.3)(“yes” arrow of step α.3) of FIG. 5), step α.6) can be implemented, anda navigation action is triggered.

If the method according to the invention comprises a timeout step, theflowchart of FIG. 6 is interpreted in the following manner:

The steps from α.1) to the “no” arrow of step α.3) are identical to FIG.5.

When a navigation object N is selected in accordance with step α.3)(“yes” arrow of step α.3) of FIG. 6), the timeout step α.4) is started.

If the timeout is interrupted (“no” arrow of step α.4) of FIG. 6), themovement of the mobile object 1 can continue in accordance with stepα.2).

If the timeout runs to its term (“yes” arrow of step α.4) of FIG. 6),step α.6) can be implemented, and a navigation action is triggered.

If the method according to the invention comprises a repositioning step,the flowchart of FIG. 7 is interpreted in the following manner:

The steps from α.1) to the “no” arrow of step α.3) are identical to FIG.6.

When a navigation object N is selected in accordance with step α.3)(“yes” arrow of step α.3) of FIG. 7), the timeout step α.4) is started.A repositioning of the mobile object 1 with respect to the navigationobject N is then performed by the navigation software package so as notto unintentionally interrupt the timeout.

If the user retracts, he commands a retreat movement of the mobileobject, so that the mobile object no longer overlaps the detection zone.The timeout is then interrupted intentionally by the user (“no” arrow ofstep α.4) of FIG. 7), and the movement of the mobile object 1 cancontinue in accordance with step α.2).

If the user leaves the mobile object in its repositioned position, thetimeout runs to its term (“yes” arrow of step α.4) of FIG. 7), step α.6)can be implemented, and a navigation action is triggered.

As described previously, this navigation action can be either theopening of a new network address, or the immediate positioning of themobile object at an arrival position, in the same 3D space or in adifferent 3D space, but furnished with the same network address as thenetwork site in which the navigation object is situated.

Access Table

Advantageously, the invention proposes to associate with the 3D siteaccording to the invention, a text file called, in the presentdescription, “access table”. This file comprises a normed description ofthe 3D site according to predefined descriptors.

Thus, the method of building a three-dimensional network site accordingto the invention comprises, before step D), a step C1) of creating andnetworking an access table for the site comprising at least thefollowing items of information:

-   a descriptor of the access table comprising the URL address of the    site, the number of three-dimensional spaces that the site    comprises, the number of navigation objects that the site comprises,    and the field separator used;-   an initial position of a user when the latter accesses the site.-   an identifier of the or of each three-dimensional space in the site;-   an identifier of the or of each navigation object;-   the position of each navigation object;-   the navigation properties of each navigation object; and

The access table therefore takes the form of an array consisting atleast of the following columns:

-   identifier of 3D Space-   identifier of navigation object;-   position of navigation object;-   navigation property of navigation object; and-   initial position of the mobile object when a user accesses the site.

For example, the site of FIG. 1 could have as access table the followingfile:

  http://www.XXXX.yyy 6 10 0,0,0 / A1/N1/xN1yN1zN1/A2/N2/xN2yN2zN2A2/N2/xN2yN2zN2/A1/N1/xN1yN1zN1 A2/N3/xN3yN3zN3/A3/N4/xN4yN4zN4A3/N4/xN4yN4zN4/A2/N3/xN3yN3zN3/ A3/N5/xN5yN5zN5/A4/N6/xN6yN6zN6/A3/N7/xN7yN7zN7/A5/N8/xN8yN8zN8 A4/N6/xN6yN6zN6/A3/N5/xN5yN5zN5A5/N8/xN8yN8zN8/A3/N7/xN7yN7zN7 A5/N9/xN9yN9zN9/A6/N10/xN10yN10zN10A6/N10/xN10yN10zN10/A5/N9/xN9yN9zN9

This file is interpreted in the following manner:

The first row is the URL address of the site.

The second row is the number of three-dimensional spaces constitutingthe site. As seen in FIG. 1, the site comprises six spaces A1 to A6.

The third row is the number of navigation objects constituting the site.In the example of FIG. 1, the site comprises ten of them.

The fourth row is the initial position of the avatar of the visitor inthe site. Here, the initial position is identical to the referenceposition where x=0, y=0 and z=0. This is, in FIG. 1, the entrance doorreferenced 4 in the figure.

The fifth row is the field separator used. Here, it is /. Thus, the sitedisplay system knows how to interpret the following rows comprisingvarious fields (or columns).

The sixth to fifteenth rows describe each navigation object and itsnavigation properties. For example, the sixth row is interpreted asfollows: In the space A1, the object N1 positioned at the coordinatesxN1yN1zN1 has as navigation property that of placing the user in thespace A2, in proximity to the object N2 positioned at the coordinatesxN2yN2zN2.

Of course, this is merely an exemplary embodiment of an access table.Instead of directly comprising the above items of information, theaccess table could call upon other tables comprising the said items ofinformation. This would make it possible to accelerate the reading andinterpretation of the access table by the navigation software package.

A norm could be established for the design of the access table so thatthe navigation software packages can interpret in a uniform manner theaccess tables of all the 3D sites according to the invention.

The access table of the site according to the invention is particularlyadvantageous since it allows:

-   ergonomic navigation inside a site or between two sites;-   in combination with a navigation history table (described in detail    subsequently), return navigation to be made possible;-   enhanced securing of the site in terms of administration and access.

Indeed, when the network site according to the invention is associatedwith an access table, provision may be made for the navigation softwarepackage to consult the access table just before generating thenavigation action. Thus, the software package knows the configuration ofthe destination 3D space before sending the mobile object 1 thereto.

Advantageously, the method according to the invention provides a timeoutstep α.4), comprising, furthermore, during the timeout, the consultationby the navigation software package of the access table of the networksite towards which the navigation object points.

If this is an intra-site navigation (that is to say within one and thesame network address), it is the access table of the site in which themobile object 1 is already situated.

If it is an inter-site navigation (that is to say from a first networksite according to the invention, termed the “departure” site, to asecond network site according to the invention, termed the “arrival”site) it is the access table of the arrival network site.

The navigation software package can then position the mobile object atthe initial position 4 of the arrival site.

Preferably, step α.4) of the method according to the inventioncomprises, furthermore, during the timeout, and after the reception ofthe access table of the second network site, the display of a so-called“arrival” position by default (for example the initial position of thearrival site) and of the position of the object or of each of thenavigation objects of the second network site, so that the user canchoose the position at which he wishes to arrive in the second networksite.

Stated otherwise, the invention provides that during the timeout phase,the destination site envisaged by the navigation object of the departuresite, sends the departure site its access table making it possible tolocate each navigation object in the envisaged site.

The departure site then displays, still during the timeout phase, thepossible destinations (that is to say, at least, the positions of thenavigation objects) in the envisaged site.

Thus, after having interpreted the access table of the arrival site, thenavigation software package can propose to the user either to positionthe mobile object in the initial position of the arrival site, or inproximity to one of the navigation objects, or indeed to another object.It then suffices for the user to select the destination position of hischoice.

The access table therefore allows ergonomic navigation inside a site orbetween two sites.

An example of navigation according to the invention is illustrated inFIG. 8.

The mobile object illustrated in the form of an avatar 1 navigateswithin a site A according to the invention, from the site A to a site Baccording to the invention, within the site B, and returning to the siteA.

In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 8, the mobile object 1 is moved bythe user from the initial position 4 of the site A, situated in the 3Dspace A7, until the navigation object N13 is selected in accordance withthe method according to the invention (see FIG. 8A).

The navigation action for the object N13 consists in placing the mobileobject 1 in proximity to the navigation object N14 of the 3D space A8(see FIG. 8B).

The mobile object 1 is then moved in the space A8 until the navigationobject N15 is selected in accordance with the invention (see FIG. 8C).

The navigation action, generated during step α.6), for the object N15comprises the opening, in the navigation software package, of thenetwork address of the destination site B, which is different from thenetwork address of the three-dimensional space A8 in which thenavigation object 1 is situated.

By default, the navigation action comprises, furthermore, thepositioning of the mobile object 1 at an arrival position in the 3Dspace B3 of the site B having the destination network address (see FIG.8D). Here, the arrival position is the initial position 6 in the spaceB3 (direction of the arrow F3 in FIGS. 8 and 8D).

As explained above, the method according to the invention can proposethis arrival position 6 by default, but also, by virtue of the accesstable, another arrival position, here the position of the navigationobject N16 in the 3D space B1 (see FIG. 8E; direction of the arrow F4 inFIGS. 8 and 8E).

Assuming that the user chooses the position N16, the navigation softwarepackage opens the network address of the site B and places the mobileobject 1 in proximity to the navigation object N16 (“in proximity” so asto avoid being in a selection position of the navigation object N16 andavoid returning immediately to the position N15).

Next the user moves the mobile object until selection of the navigationobject N17 (see FIG. 8F) which positions the mobile object in proximityto the navigation object N18 in the space B3 (see FIG. 8G).

Thereafter, the user moves the mobile object in the space B3 until thenavigation object N19 is selected (see FIG. 8H) and positions the mobileobject in proximity to the navigation object N20 in the space B2 (seeFIG. 8I).

In the same manner, the mobile object passes from the navigation objectN20 to N21 (see FIG. 8J), and then N22 (see FIG. 8K).

The user has thus visited the whole of the site B.

The return to the site A is done from the navigation object N16 to thenavigation object N15 (see FIG. 8L; direction of the arrow F5 in FIGS. 8and 8L), and the visit of the site A can continue via the navigationobjects N23 (see FIG. 8M), N24 (see FIG. 8N), N25 (see FIG. 8O) and N26(see FIG. 8P), in a similar manner as explained before.

It will be noted that, in this example, navigation is always done in“walk forward” mode, that is to say that the return to the site A is notdone by way of a history, but in a continuous manner, always byselecting the navigation objects.

However, the access table also allows, in combination with a navigationhistory table, effective return navigation, without having to select thenavigation objects in order to retrace one's steps.

Navigation History

In the case of navigation from network address to network address,return navigation is done via the “page back” button of the navigationsoftware package.

In order to allow an optimal return, in proximity to the position thatthe mobile object occupied before quitting the site, the inventionproposes the creation of a specific history table. Indeed, theconventional history of the navigation software package is incapable ofstoring the spatial position of the mobile object in a three-dimensionalnetwork site. It stores only the network address of the previouslyvisited site or sites.

Without the access table, the selection of the “page back” button of thenavigation software package would systematically deposit the mobileobject at the initial position in the 3D site according to theinvention. Stated otherwise, the entire path traversed in the departuresite would be lost during the return. If the 3D space is big, this wouldcompel the user to command the movement of the mobile object again untilproximity to the position where the mobile object was situated beforequitting the site.

Two embodiments of a method according to the invention generating atable of histories are illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10, for navigationbetween several 3D spaces having the same common network address, and inFIGS. 11 and 12 for navigation between several 3D spaces each having itsown network address.

History of Navigation within One and the Same Network Address

In the first embodiment of navigation within one and the same networkaddress, provision must be made, while building the site, after stepa3), for a step a4) of creating a “previous position” selectable buttonand a “next position” selectable button, and after step b3), a step b4)of assigning to each of these buttons the following properties:

-   -   associated with a history table;    -   selectable with a mouse click or a manual click for        touch-sensitive interfaces; and    -   displayed constantly on the site.

Stated otherwise, in this case, the buttons making it possible to gobackwards or to go forwards must be introduced into the site. Indeed,navigation being done within the same network address, the use of the“Page forward” and “page back” buttons of the navigation softwarepackage would simply cause the 3D site to be exited, since the historyof the navigation software package stores only network addresses.

The buttons introduced on the site and displayed constantly, whateverthe position of the mobile object and/or whatever the 3D space of thesite, make it possible, in association with a history table according tothe invention and the access table according to the invention, to returnto a previous spatial position, without having to recommence themovements of the mobile object.

In the case of navigation within one and the same network address, theor each navigation object has as functional property the ability to sendthe mobile and controllable object to an arrival position in athree-dimensional space of the same network site in which the navigationobject is situated.

In order to manage the navigation history, the method according to theinvention provides that

-   -   step α.1) comprises, furthermore, the creation and the storage        in memory of a first history table P1 of “last in-first out”        type, as well as the association of the first history table with        the “previous position” and “next position” selectable buttons        of the network site; and    -   step α.6) comprises the insertion, as first entry P11 in the        first history table, of the identifier P11a of the        three-dimensional space in which the mobile object is situated,        and of the position P11b of the navigation object selected in        the three-dimensional space.

A history table is an alphanumeric table comprising entries orderedaccording to their order of introduction into the table. Each entryrepresents an item of history information, such as the address of avisited network site.

A table is termed “last in-first out” (“LIFO”) when it is readcommencing with the last entry (that is to say the most recent entry inthe order of introduction).

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 9 illustrates forward navigation insidethe site of FIG. 1, assuming that each 3D space of this site possessesthe same common network address URL1. A first history table P1 has beencreated when opening the site A.

The forward navigation is globally illustrated in FIG. 9, andstep-by-step illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9F.

In this example, the mobile object 1 is moved by the user in the spaceA1, until the navigation object N1 is selected in accordance with themethod according to the invention (see FIG. 9A).

The navigation action for the object N1 consists in placing the mobileobject 1 in proximity to the navigation object N2 of the 3D space A2. Inparallel, the history table P1 is supplemented with a first entry P11comprising an item of information in respect of location of the mobileobject 1 before its positioning in proximity to the object N2 (see FIG.9B). This item of positioning information comprises the identifier P11aof the three-dimensional space in which the mobile object was situated(here the space A1), and of the spatial position P11b (in coordinates x,y and z) of the navigation object N1 selected in this space A1.

Next the user moves the mobile object in the space A2 until selection ofthe navigation object N3 (see FIG. 9C) which positions the mobile objectin proximity to the navigation object N4 in the space A3 (see FIG. 9D).In parallel, the history table P1 is supplemented with a second entryP12 comprising an item of information in respect of location of themobile object 1 before its positioning in proximity to the object N4.This item of positioning information comprises the identifier P12a ofthe three-dimensional space in which the mobile object was situated(here the space A2), and of the spatial position P12b (in coordinates x,y and z) of the navigation object N3 selected in this space A2.

Next the user moves the mobile object in the space A3 until selection ofthe navigation object N5 (see FIG. 9E) which positions the mobile objectin proximity to the navigation object N6 in the space A4 (see FIG. 9F).In parallel, the history table P1 is supplemented with a second entryP13 comprising an item of information in respect of location of themobile object 1 before its positioning in proximity to the object N6.This item of positioning information comprises the identifier P13a ofthe three-dimensional space in which the mobile object was situated(here the space A3), and of the spatial position P13b (in coordinates x,y and z) of the navigation object N5 selected in this space A3.

The exemplary embodiment of FIG. 10 illustrates backward navigationafter forward navigation as illustrated in FIGS. 9A to 9F.

The backward process example is globally illustrated in FIG. 10, andstep-by-step illustrated in FIGS. 10A to 10E.

To go backwards, without having to select the navigation objects, theuser can click on the “previous position” button of the network site.This button being associated with the LIFO table P1, the navigationsoftware package will read the last entry of the stack: the entry P13.It will then place the mobile object 1 in the space A3, in proximity tothe position (x, y, z) of the object N5 (see FIG. 10A).

The user could thus return to the departure 3D space A1, without havingto command the movement of the mobile object, but simply by reversinghis previous actions.

The schematic view of FIG. 10A shows that, in this example, the user hasgone just one step back, at the level of the object N5 of the space A3.

There, he decides to visit the space A5, by selecting, in accordancewith the invention, the navigation object N7 (see FIG. 10B), thisnavigation object N7 having a position not stored in the first historytable P1.

The navigation action associated with this object N7 places the mobileobject 1 in proximity to the object N8 in the space A5 (see FIG. 10C).

In this case, the method comprises an additional step γ.1) of creatingand storing in memory a second history table P2, of “last in-first out”type, as well as the association of the second history table with the“Page forward” and “page back” selectable buttons of the network site.

In parallel with the placement of the mobile object 1 in proximity tothe navigation object N8, in the space A5, the method according to theinvention makes provision to insert:

-   as first entry P21 in the second history table P2, a reference to    the first history table P1;-   as second entry P22 in the second history table P2, the identifier    P22a of the departure three-dimensional space (here the space A3)    and the spatial position P22b (in coordinates x, y and z) of the    navigation object N7 selected in the three-dimensional departure    space A3;-   as last entry P13 in the first history table P1, a reference to the    second history table P2.

Next the user decides to visit the space A6 by selecting, in accordancewith the invention, the navigation object N9 (see FIG. 10D).

The navigation action associated with this object N9 places the mobileobject 1 in proximity to the object N10 in the space A6 (see FIG. 10E).

In parallel, the second history table P2 is supplemented with a thirdentry P23 comprising an item of information in respect of location ofthe mobile object 1 before its positioning in proximity to the objectN10. This item of positioning information comprises the identifier P23aof the three-dimensional space in which the mobile object was situated(here the space A5), and of the spatial position P23b (in coordinates x,y and z) of the navigation object N9 selected in this space A5.

And so on and so forth.

History of Navigation Between Several Network Addresses

FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate the same example path of the user, via themobile object 1, among the spaces A1 to A6 of the site of FIG. 1,assuming that each of these spaces possesses its own network address,respectively URL1 to URL6. Therefore, FIG. 11 (several networkaddresses) is analogous to FIG. 9 (several spaces with the same networkaddress), and FIG. 12 (several network addresses) is analogous to FIG.10 (several spaces with the same network address).

The generation of the first and second history tables P3 and P4 issimilar to what was described for a site having 3D spaces of commonnetwork address (FIGS. 9, 9A-9F and 10, 10A-10E), except for thedifference that the history tables P3 and P4 are associated with the“Page forward” and “page back” selectable buttons of the navigationsoftware package itself, whilst the history tables P1 and P2 areassociated with buttons displayed on the site itself.

Moreover, the entries in the history tables P3 and P4 comprise items ofinformation in respect of location of the mobile object in the previousnetwork address, namely: the network address of the departurethree-dimensional space and the position of the navigation objectselected in the departure three-dimensional space.

For example, in FIG. 12, when the user has arrived at the address URL4,the table P3 comprises three entries P31, P32 and P33 relating,chronologically, to the items of information in respect of location ofthe mobile object 1 in the sites URL1, URL2 and URL3.

An entry (for example the entry P31) comprises the network address P31aof the departure three-dimensional space and the position P31b of thenavigation object selected in the departure three-dimensional space.

Likewise, still in this FIG. 12, when the user has arrived at theaddress URL6, the table P4 comprises two entries P41 and P42 relating,chronologically, to the items of information in respect of location ofthe mobile object 1 in the sites URL3 and URL5.

Generalization

More generally, the navigation may relate to more 3D spaces and/or morenetwork addresses than is illustrated in the examples.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate the generalization of the method according tothe invention to create and supplement the history tables.

These figures illustrate navigation between sites having differentnetwork addresses (URL 1, 2, 3, . . . , n−2, n−1, n), or betweendifferent 3D spaces (space 1, 2, 3, . . . , n−2, n−1, n) having one andthe same common address.

The general principle remains the same.

Thus, the method of navigation according to the invention provides that,for navigation while advancing from navigation objects to navigationobjects, step α) is repeated n−2 times (in the figure “Rep n−2”), nbeing an integer greater than or equal to 3, so as to end up at anarrival position of rank n. Indeed, the first iteration α1 of step α)makes it possible to pass from the URL address 1 to the URL address 2(or from the space 1 to the space 2) (see FIGS. 13A and 13B). The firstrepetition Rep 1 of step α) leads to iteration α2 of step α) which makesit possible to pass from the URL address 2 to the URL address 3 (or fromthe space 2 to the space 3) (see FIG. 13C), and so on and so forth (seeFIGS. 13D to 13F). Therefore, n−2 repetitions of step a) are required inorder to end up at the URL n or at the space n.

The first history table P3 is, of course, created only at the firstiteration and supplemented during the other iterations, each iterationof step a) corresponding to an opening of a new network address. Eachnetwork address and, preferably, a position of each navigation objectbeing stored chronologically in the first history table duringnavigation.

Alternatively, the first history table P1 is also created only at thefirst iteration and supplemented during the other iterations, eachiteration of step α) corresponding to the positioning of the mobile andcontrollable object at a new arrival position in a three-dimensionalspace having the same network address as the network site in which thenavigation object is situated. The identifier of the three-dimensionalspace and the position of the selected navigation object are storedchronologically at each iteration in the first history table duringnavigation.

By virtue of the history table, the method according to the inventioncan comprise, furthermore, a step β) of backtracking consisting inreading the network address (or the identifier of the three-dimensionalspace and the position of the navigation object) of rank n−1 in thefirst history table, and in opening this network address of rank n−1 inthe navigation software package (or in positioning the mobile object inproximity to the position of the selected navigation object of rank n−1)(see FIG. 13G).

In the case of navigation between various network addresses, step β) canalso comprise the positioning of the mobile object in proximity to theposition of the navigation object selected in the three-dimensionalspace having the network address of rank n−1.

This step β) can be repeated k times, k being an integer lying between 1and n−2 (k is the amount of repetition of step β; k is illustrated inline “Rep β) in FIGS. 13A to 14. If k equals n−2, the user is on thedirect return to the first departure address URL 1 (or to the departurespace 1) (see FIGS. 13H to 13K).

If k lies between 1 and n−3, the user may yet make a bifurcation in hisnavigation, which is shown in FIG. 14. In the example illustrated inthis figure, the user starts from the same position as illustrated inFIG. 13J. But instead, direct to the first departure address URL 1 asshown in FIG. 13K, the user decides to visit another website A, as shownin FIG. 14, thus making a bifurcation on its history (bifurcation meansthat the user does not return by all its previous steps).

The method provides that the user can choose to set off again in a newdirection, that is to say to select a navigation object not yet storedin the history table.

After the iteration of rank k of step β) (here Rep β=n−3), the methodcomprises at least one step γ) of navigating towards a network sitehaving a network address not stored (or a navigation object having aposition not stored) in the first history table P3 (or P1), step γ)comprising the following sub-steps:

-   -   γ.1) creating and storing in memory a second history table P4        (or P2) of “last in-first out” type, as well as associating the        second history table with the “Page forward” and “page back”        selectable buttons of the navigation software package (or of the        network site);    -   γ.2) controlling the movement of the mobile and controllable        object in the or one of the three-dimensional spaces of the        network site having the network address not stored in the first        history table (or in one of the three-dimensional spaces of a        network site according to the invention);    -   γ.3) selecting a navigation object, preferably by positioning        the mobile and controllable object in a secant manner with        respect to the navigation object, which means in a manner where        the mobile and controllable object overlaps the navigation        object, especially the detection zone of the navigation object;    -   γ.6) generating a navigation action as a function of the        navigation properties assigned to the navigation object, and        inserting:    -   as first entry in the second history table P4 (or P2), a        reference to the first history table P3 (or P1);    -   as second entry in the second history table P4 (or P2), the        identifier of the departure three-dimensional space and the        position of the navigation object selected in the departure        three-dimensional space;    -   as last entry in the first history table P3 (or P1), a reference        to the second history table P4 (or P2).

In FIG. 14, which illustrates the return to the previous networkaddresses (or 3D space) by virtue of the history table, k is equal ton−3. Stated otherwise, the user has returned to the URL address 2 (or tothe space 2). At this address (or in this space), he selects anavigation object having a position not stored in the first historytable P3 (or P1), this object allowing him to pass to the site “A”,itself making it possible to pass to the site “B”.

The explanation has been given for the creation of two history tables,corresponding to a single bifurcation in the navigation (bifurcation atrank k).

It is understood that at each bifurcation, an additional history tableis created, that a reference to the previous history table is insertedthereinto, and that a reference to the new history table is insertedinto the previous history table.

Securing of Access

The invention exploits the spatialization (three-dimensional rather thantwo-dimensional space) of the site to ensure that the site is madesecure, both in terms of referencing by search engines, and also interms of private access (usually managed by identifier and password) andof dynamic management of the site.

Thus, a site according to the invention, built according to the methodaccording to the invention, makes it possible to secure the managementof the site and its access in a very innovative manner, by virtue of thethree-dimensional spaces and of the navigation objects which aresituated therein, in particular by virtue of the “physical” interactionsbetween these objects and the mobile object (when the latter encountersthe navigation objects, in accordance with the method according to theinvention) and by virtue of the access table associated with the siteaccording to the invention.

If the access table is written in a format interpretable by a navigationsoftware package, then a search engine can also read it and interpretit. It can then reference the site, not only by keywords (as forconventional 2D sites), but also by its objects, in particular itsnavigation objects.

Access to the site is then totally unrestricted.

By virtue of the access table, it is possible to render this referencingselective, or indeed to prohibit the referencing of the site.

To this end, the method of building the site provides after step C1), astep C2) of encrypting the access table, this encryption possibly beingpartial (selective referencing) or total (absence of referencing).

Alternatively, or in combination, the method according to the inventionprovides, advantageously, that the access table comprises, furthermore,rights-of-access data. These rights-of-access data are, for example,data managing the possibility/impossibility of accessing the site, ormanaging the display/the concealment of one or more navigation objects,or managing the activation/the inactivation of one or more navigationobjects.

Thus, as a function of the rights of access, it is possible to see, ornot, certain objects, navigation objects in particular.

It is therefore possible either to dispense with access ofidentifier/password type, or to strengthen the security of this type ofaccess.

For example, in the case of a site having a private part, one of thenavigation objects can serve to access this part in which the user willhave to enter his identifier and his password. By virtue of theinvention, it is possible to display or to not display this navigationobject as a function of the user's rights of access.

Private access in a network site known from the prior art takes the formof a selectable link on a public page of the site, for example “ClientAccess”. The interested user clicks on this link and a page requestingan access key opens. Generally, this access key consists of anidentifier (also known as a login) and a password.

During a so-called “brute force” attack of such a site, the hacker isperfectly aware of where to click in the public page of the site so asto arrive at the access page at the secure part, since the link isperfectly visible. The hacker can then launch a program which will tryall the possible passwords.

In a site according to the invention, an unauthorized person does noteven see the link to the private part, since this link (a navigationobject) is displayed only for an authorized person.

To conjure an image, everything happens as if the door of the safe of abank were to appear only for those authorized to access it, and todisappear for everyone else, so that raiders would not even know whereto break in.

Thus, the method allows double security: conventional security byidentifier and password, and upstream security, by display orconcealment of the link to the private part.

Security can be further strengthened if the access rights are alsoencrypted.

Alternatively, or in combination, security of access can be furtherimproved by providing, while building the site, after step C1), a stepC3) of dividing the access table into several files, and of peer-to-peersharing of the said files between several computer servers.

Thus, only users having a suitable peer-to-peer file management softwarepackage will be able to “reconstruct” the access table to enter thesite.

Advantageously, step C3) is performed on a previously encrypted accesstable, so that not only a suitable peer-to-peer file management softwarepackage, but also the encryption key to access the site, will berequired.

The flowcharts of FIGS. 15 to 18 summarize the various possibilities forsecuring an Internet site according to the present invention.

In FIG. 15, the site has unrestricted access and does not comprise anyparticular security other than what may exist in 2D sites (for exampleaccess by identifier and password).

It is only made by steps A, B, C1, D and E as previously described.

FIG. 16 provides for encryption of the access table, whilst FIG. 17provides only for division of the access table into several files, andpeer-to-peer sharing of the said files between several computer servers.In other words, the website of FIG. 16 is made by steps A, B, C1, C2, Dand E as previously described, where the website of FIG. 17 is made bysteps A, B, C1, C3, D and E as previously described.

FIG. 18 provides for the combination of the encryption and of thedivision of the access table. In other words, the website of FIG. 18 ismade by steps A, B, C1, C2, C3, D and E as previously described.

Other possibilities exist for exploiting the spatialization of the site.For example, provision may be made for the zone of detection of thenavigation object making it possible to access the private part to bemobile with respect to the information display of the object. It is thenpossible to assign properties to this detection zone and to the mobileobject which make an encounter therebetween impossible. For example, itis possible to define a North-South polarity in the site, and to assigndifferent polarities to the mobile object (representing the user) and tothe detection zone so that they attract one another, if the user isauthorized to access the private part, and to assign them identicalpolarities if the user is not authorized. In the latter case, thedetection zone will systematically “flee” from the mobile object withoutthe latter being able to overlap the detection zone, so that thenavigation object will not be able to be selected.

It is by virtue of the spatialization of a network site according to theinvention that strategies for secure access can be put in place,strategies that are impossible with a 2D site. Furthermore, it is byvirtue of the interactions provided for by the method according to theinvention between the mobile object and the navigation objects thatthese strategies are effective. Were it sufficient to click on thenavigation objects in order to select them, these strategies would beineffective. Indeed, the invention exploits the physical propertiesallotted to the objects while building the site to use them as asecurity tool. Finally, the access table according to the inventionplays an essential role in such securing of the site.

1. A method building a three-dimensional network site (A-B) accessibleby a network through a network address, and consultable via an interfacelinked to the network, comprising the following steps: A) with a 3Dmodeling software package: a1) generating a three-dimensional projectcomprising at least one three-dimensional space (A1-A6; B1-B3); a2)creating at least one two- or three-dimensional navigation object(N1-N26) in the three-dimensional project and placing the at least onetwo- or three-dimensional navigation object in the at least onethree-dimensional space (A1-A6 B1-83) in a defined spatial position ofthe navigation object (P11b); a3) creating a two- or three-dimensionalobject (1) which is mobile in the three-dimensional space (A1-A6; B1-B3)and controllable by a user by virtue of a control interface or aperipheral linked to the interface; B) with a real-time 3D softwarepackage: b1) assigning to the or to each three-dimensional space (A1-A6;B1-B3): a benchmark system of three-dimensional coordinates; firstaesthetic properties; first functional properties; and first simulatedphysical properties; b2) assigning to the navigation object (N1-N26):second aesthetic properties; navigation properties, as a link to anarrival position in the at least one three-dimensional space (A1-A6;B1-B3) or a link to a destination network address; and second simulatedphysical properties; b3) assigning to the said mobile object: an initialposition in the three-dimensional space (A1-A6; B1-B3) or one of thethree-dimensional spaces of the three-dimensional project, and thirdaesthetic properties; second functional properties; and third simulatedphysical properties; b4) recording the three-dimensional project as adigital file having a format interpretable by at least one navigationsoftware package; C1) creating and networking an access table for thethree-dimensional network site comprising at least the following itemsof information: a descriptor of the access table comprising a number ofrows, a number of columns and one or more field separator(s) used; anidentifier (P11a) of the or of each three-dimensional space in thethree-dimensional network site; an identifier of the or of eachnavigation object; the position (P11b) of each navigation object; thenavigation properties of each navigation object; and an initial position(4, 6) of a user when the user accesses the three-dimensional networksite; D) storing the file obtained in step b4) on an on-line networkserver; E) assigning a network address to the file so as to render thefile accessible by the network in the form of a network site, whereinthe at least one navigation object (N11) comprises a two- orthree-dimensional information (N111) and a two- or three-dimensionaldetection zone (N112), the at least one navigation object (N11) beingalso programmed to detect whether the mobile object (1) overlaps thedetection zone (N112) to start a timeout of predefined duration startingas soon as the mobile object (1) and the two- or three-dimensionaldetection zone (N112) overlap and to generate a navigation action as afunction of the navigation properties assigned to the navigation object(N11) when the mobile object remains overlapping the two- orthree-dimensional detection zone (N112) throughout a duration of thetimeout.
 2. The method of building the three-dimensional network siteaccording to claim 1, wherein the access table comprisesrights-of-access data.
 3. The method of building the three-dimensionalnetwork site according to claim 1, further comprising, after step C1), astep C2) of encrypting the access table.
 4. The method of building thethree-dimensional network site according to claim 1, further comprising,after step C1), a step C3) of dividing the access table into severalfiles, and of peer-to-peer sharing of the files between several computerservers.
 5. The method of building the three-dimensional network siteaccording to claim 3, further comprising, after step C2), a step C3) ofdividing the encrypted access table into several files, and ofpeer-to-peer sharing of the said files between several computer servers.6. A three-dimensional network site (A, B) obtained by the methodaccording to claim 1, comprising: the network address (URL1-URL6); theat least one three-dimensional space (A1-A6; B1-B3); the at least onenavigation object (N1-N26) placed at a position (P11b) of the navigationobject; at least one object (1) that is mobile and controllable in thespace (A1-A6; B1-B3); the three-dimensional network site associated withan access table comprising at least the following items of information:the descriptor of the access table so as to be able to be interpreted bythe navigation software package, comprising the number of rows, thenumber of columns and the field separator(s) used; an identifier (P11a)of the or of each three-dimensional space in the site; an identifier ofthe or of each navigation object; the position (P11b) of each navigationobject; the navigation properties of each navigation object; and aninitial position (4, 6) of a user when the latter accesses the sitewherein the at least one navigation object (N11) comprises a two- orthree-dimensional information display (N111) and of a two- orthree-dimensional detection zone (N112), the navigation object (N 11)being also programmed to detect whether the mobile object (1) overlapsthe detection zone (N112), to start a timeout of predefined durationstarting as soon as the mobile object and the detection zone overlap,and to generate a navigation action as a function of the navigationproperties assigned to the navigation object (N11) when the mobileobject (1) remains overlapping the detection zone (N112) throughout theduration of the timeout.
 7. A method of navigation from or within thenetwork address of a three-dimensional space of a three-dimensionalnetwork site according to claim 6, with aid of a hardware interface,comprising the following steps: α) in a navigation software packagesuitable for the hardware interface: α.1) opening the network address(URL1-URL6); α.2) controlling the movement of the mobile object (1) inthe or one of the three-dimensional spaces (A1-A6; B1-B3) from theinitial position (4, 6); α.3) selecting the navigation object (N1-N26)by positioning the mobile object (1) in an overlapping mariner withrespect to the navigation object (N1-N26); α.4) starting a timeout ofpredefined duration, as soon as the mobile object (1) and the navigationobject (N1-N26) or the detection zone (N112) overlap, α.6) generating anavigation action as a function of the navigation properties assigned tothe navigation object (N1-N26), only if the mobile object (1) and thenavigation object (N1-N26) or the detection zone (N112) remainoverlapped throughout the duration of the timeout.
 8. The method ofnavigation according to claim 7 from or within the network address ofthe three-dimensional network site, wherein step α3) comprises selectingthe navigation object (N1-N26) by positioning the mobile object (1) inan overlapping manner with respect to the zone of detection (N112) ofthe navigation object (N11).
 9. The method of navigation according toclaim 7, wherein step α) comprises furthermore, before step α.6), a stepα.5) of predefined repositioning of the mobile object with respect tothe navigation object, as soon as the mobile object and the navigationobject or the detection zone of the navigation object overlap, therepositioning keeping the mobile object and the navigation object or thedetection zone overlapping.
 10. The method of navigation according toclaim 7, wherein step α.4) of timeout further comprises, during thetimeout, consultation by the navigation software package of the accesstable of the network site or the access table of the destination networksite.
 11. The method of navigation according to claim 10, wherein stepα.4) comprises, furthermore, during the timeout, and after the receptionof the access table, the displaying of an arrival position by defaultand of the position of the object or of each of the navigation objectsof the network site or the destination network site, so that the usercan choose the position at which he wishes to arrive.
 12. The method ofnavigation according to claim 7 within the network address of thethree-dimensional network site, wherein: step α.1) further comprisescreation and storage in memory of a first history table (P1) of a lastin-first out type, as well as the association of the first history tablewith previous position and next position selectable buttons of thenetwork site; and step α.6) comprises an insertion, as first entry (P11)in the first history table (P1), of the identifier (P11a) of thethree-dimensional space in which the mobile object is situated, and ofthe position (P11b) of the navigation object selected in thethree-dimensional space.
 13. The method of navigation according to claim12, wherein step α) is repeated n−2 times, n being an integer greaterthan or equal to 3, so as to end up at an arrival position of rank n,the first history table being created only at the first iteration andsupplemented during the other iterations, each iteration of step α)corresponding to the positioning of the mobile object at a new arrivalposition in a three-dimensional space having the same network address asthe network site in which the navigation object is situated, theidentifier of the three-dimensional space and the position of theselected navigation object being stored chronologically at eachiteration in the first history table during navigation.
 14. The methodof navigation according to claim 13, further comprising a step β) ofbacktracking consisting in reading the identifier of thethree-dimensional space and the position of the navigation object ofrank n−1 in the first history table, and in positioning the mobileobject in proximity to the position of the selected navigation object ofrank n−1, step β) being repeated k times, k being an integer lyingbetween 1 and n−2.
 15. The method of navigation according to claim 14,wherein k lies between 1 and n−3, the position of the selectednavigation object of rank k corresponding to the three-dimensionalnetwork site, the method comprising, furthermore, after the iteration ofrank k of step β), at least one step γ) of navigating towards anavigation object having a position not stored in the first historytable, step γ) comprising the following sub-steps: γ.1) creation andstorage in memory of a second history table of “last in-first out” type,as well as the association of the second history table with “Pageforward” and “page back” selectable buttons of the network site; γ.2)controlling the movement of the mobile object in one of thethree-dimensional spaces of the network site; γ.3) selecting anavigation object by positioning the mobile object in an overlappingmanner with respect to the navigation object; γ.6) generating anavigation action as a function of the navigation properties assigned tothe navigation object, and inserting: as first entry in the secondhistory table, a reference to the first history table; as second entryin the second history table, the identifier of the departurethree-dimensional space and the position of the navigation objectselected in the departure three-dimensional space; as last entry in thefirst history table, a reference to the second history table.
 16. Themethod of navigation according to claim 7 from the network address ofthe three-dimensional space of the three-dimensional network site,wherein step α.1) further comprises creation and storage in memory of afirst history table (P1) of a last in-first out type, as well as theassociation of the first history table with page forward and page backselectable buttons of the navigation software package; and step α.6)comprises the insertion, as first entry (P1a) in the first history table(P1), of the network address (URL1-URL6) of the departurethree-dimensional space and the position (P11b) of the navigation objectselected in the departure three-dimensional space.
 17. The method ofnavigation according to claim 16, wherein step α) is repeated n−2 times,n being an integer greater than or equal to 3, so as to end up at anetwork address of rank n, the first history table being created only atthe first iteration and supplemented during the other iterations, eachiteration of step α) corresponding to an opening of a new networkaddress, each network address and, if appropriate, a position of eachnavigation object being stored chronologically in the first historytable during navigation.
 18. The method of navigation according to claim17, further comprising a step β) of backtracking consisting in readingthe network address of rank n−1 in the first history table, and inopening this network address of rank n−1 in the navigation softwarepackage, step β) being repeated k times, k being an integer lyingbetween 1 and n−2.
 19. The method of navigation according to claim 18,wherein step β) also comprises the positioning of the mobile object inproximity to the position of the navigation object selected in thethree-dimensional space having the network address of rank n−1.
 20. Themethod of navigation according to claim 19, wherein k lies between 1 andn−3, the network address of rank k corresponding to a network siteaccording to the invention, the method comprising, furthermore, afterthe iteration of rank k of step β), at least one step γ) of navigatingtowards a network site having a network address not stored in the firsthistory table, step γ) comprising the following sub-steps: γ.1) creationand storage in memory of a second history table of “last in-first out”type, as well as the association of the second history table with “Pageforward” and “page back” selectable buttons of the navigation softwarepackage; γ.2) controlling the movement of the mobile object in the orone of the three-dimensional spaces of the network site having thenetwork address not stored in the first history table; γ.3) selecting anavigation object by positioning the mobile object in an overlappingmanner with respect to the navigation object; γ.6) generating anavigation action as a function of the navigation properties assigned tothe navigation object, and inserting: as first entry in the secondhistory table, a reference to the first history table; as second entryin the second history table, the network address of the departurethree-dimensional space and the position of the navigation objectselected in the departure three-dimensional space; as last entry in thefirst history table, a reference to the second history table.